The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by HRH The Prince of Wales, who wanted to do something about the widespread poverty and hardship that he saw in South Asia. He turned to the entrepreneurial spirit of the British Asian diaspora, aiming to link them with innovative social entrepreneurs and grassroots interventions in the region.

Since 2007, The British Asian Trust has become a trusted navigator and agenda setter, we have convened funders, mobilised funding and raised awareness, and we have made a real difference in the lives of over a million people in South Asia.

Our VisionOur vision is to unlock the life potential of disadvantaged people in South Asia by being the philanthropy partners of choice for donors who want to make a significant impact in the region. By addressing key challenges and nurturing excellent grassroots solutions, this partnership can be a catalyst for change, ultimately creating a South Asia that is free of poverty, injustice and inequality.

Our MissionOur mission is to empower disadvantaged people to transform their own lives—we believe in giving a hand up, not a hand-out. We bring together visionary givers who share a passion for particular causes, and transform lives through grassroots initiatives that help people to help themselves.